Shanghai limits use of glass curtain wall

Shanghai (CNS) – Shanghai will start to strictly limit the use of glass curtain walls as of February 1, announced the Shanghai Municipal Government, January 31.

Various kinds of buildings over one story high are prohibited from using this modern and common architectural feature, including residential buildings, outpatient wards, emergency wings and other hospital facilities, school classrooms, nurseries and kindergartens, nursing homes, and any structure that faces the straight-of-way at a T-shaped intersection.

The glass curtain style of building facade, and the 'glass box' style in general, have been widely used in Shanghai since the feature was first adopted for high-rise buildings in 1985. It contributes internally to good lighting and keeps construction costs low, but glass also comes with problems such as light pollution and security risks.

In 2011, the Shanghai Times Finance Center, International Finance Center and other buildings developed cracks in their glass curtain walls.

At present, 4,210 buildings in Shanghai are equipped with the see-through walls. This newly issued ban signals a turning point in Shanghai architecture.